Puzzle



April 18, 1944. w. ASHWORTH PUZZLE Filed May 28, 1942 Zz'e 0957: war

Patented Apr. 18, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PUZZLE Wylie Ashworth, Helena, Mont.

Application May 28, 1942, Serial No. 444,912

3 Claims.

My invention relates to hand-operated balancing puzzles, sometimes referred to as nerve testers, etc.

The primary object of this puzzle is to provide entertainment, humor, pleasure, and such. The puzzle being solved when the disc is balanced on or near the apex by the operator, in such a manner as to easily vibrate when the puzzle is disturbed or vibrated.

A further object is to provide a new and useful novelty, which is simple in construction and. operation, inexpensive to produce and the manipulation and solving of the puzzle is both enticing and fascinating.

The invention consists in the features of construction, combination and arrangements of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a top or plan view of the puzzle, with parts broken away to disclose details; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the puzzle as it would appear were it cut or split from vertex through base, parts thereof being shown with the disc the one and only free moving part of the puzzle being off-balance, or in a neutral position; Figure 3 is a similar view, showing the disc balanced on the apex, or the puzzle solved.

In the drawing, the numeral l designates the base of the puzzle, the upper portion of which is raised or elevated at a satisfactory angle, degree, curve, or curvature similar to a dome, thereby creating a suitable apex as at 2; the part of the lower portion of the base which is-properly prepared or shaped to receive the hollow, dome shaped, transparent cover, being designated by 3; the numeral 4 designates the disc, which is preferably, not necessarily, fiat and similar to a coin, and of a proportionate size and shape to correspond with the finished puzzle, and is enclosed on the raised portion of the base, containing the apex, by the hollow, transparent cover number 5. The hollow, transparent cover being properly shaped, sized and proportioned to fit the base where provision is made as at numeral 3, and also leave ample room between the surface of the raised portion of the base containing the apex, and the inner part of the hollow, transparent cover, to provide for the free and easy movement of the disc on any and all parts or portions of the unobstructed dome or raised portion of the base, including the apex, which is within the enclosure.

For descriptive and other purposes, the raised part or portion of the base containing the apex and enclosed by the hollow, transparent cover shall be referred to and recognized as the field. Said field being entirely free from obstructions or hazards of any kind whatsoever. It is to be understood, however, that I do not limit myself necesssarily to the exact details of construction but may resort to minor changes therein, falling within the scope of the appended claims, as may be found necessary in practice.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A puzzle comprising a body, a cover on said body, said body having a surface beneath and spaced from the cover provided with an apex free from the cover in all directions, a disc between. the body and cover having a relatively fiat surface adapted for balancing engagement with said apex through slight vibration of the body.

2. A puzzle comprising a body, a cover on said body, said body having a surface extending from the junction with said cover upwardly and inwardly to an apex spaced in all directions from the cover, and an element between the body and cover constructed and arranged for balancing engagement with said apex through slight vibration of the body.

3. A puzzle comprising a body, a dome shaped cover marginally engaging saidbody, said body from the zone of engagement with said cover extending upwardly and inwardly along a relatively fiat curved surface to an apex spaced at all points from the cover, and a disc freely movable between the body and cover having a relatively flat surface adapted for balancing engagement with said apex through slight vibration of the body.

WYLIE ASHWORTI-I. 

